Be exemplary to your children, Bunyoro bishop tells parents

HOIMA - The Bishop of Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese, Rt Rev. Jacob Ateirweho, has underscored the need for parents in the diocese to be exemplary to their children if they are to nurture responsible citizens.

He noted that when children are growing up, they tend to adopt whatever behaviour they are exposed to, whether good or bad. In most cases, he said, children emulate the conduct of their parents; therefore, parents should always act responsibly before their children.

Bishop Ateirweho attributed the rising immorality among the young generation to parents who engage in actions that corrupt their children’s values.

He said many youths involved in indecent dressing, drunkenness, and domestic violence often copy such behaviour from their parents.

He said: “When you are drunk parents, it is 80% chance that your children will be drunkards, when you like dressing indecently, it is also 80% that you children will enjoying dressing indecently and if you are a prostitute, it is 80% that your children will be prostitutes, so you have to mind you behave before your children.”

He made the call on October 18, 2025, while leading a dedication service for 120 Primary Seven candidates of Flobbeto Nursery and Primary School in Kibingo cell, Hoima West division, Hoima city.

The bishop advised the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidates to focus on their studies, remain prayerful, and avoid distractions such as the temptation to cheat in exams.

He also urged the candidates to work hard and be God-fearing in order to achieve their dreams. “It is my prayer that the Lord grants knowledge to remember all you have read in the past years and stay focused for the achievement of your dreams,” he prayed.

He encouraged candidates to prepare calmly and answer their exams confidently, adding that victory will come when they trust in God. “Read hard and trust in the Lord, and every success will come your way,” Bishop Jacob advised.

James Kiiza Nyendwoha, the Member of Parliament for Bujenje County, called on parents to support their children with the necessary scholastic materials to ensure they sit their exams without interruptions.

He noted that Flobbeto Nursery and Primary School has, for the last ten years, supported the government in providing quality education to Ugandan children.

He urged the pupils to prioritise their education, saying it is key to their future and that their parents have made sacrifices for it.

Dominic Karyarugokwe, the headteacher of the school, commended the church for championing community development.

He said that apart from nurturing society spiritually, the church has been instrumental in promoting education and other areas of social development.

The 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations will begin with briefing on October 31.

The written exams will start on Monday, November 3, 2025, with Mathematics and Social Studies, followed by Integrated Science and English the next day.